SUNSET: 
Martian Dirt is Friendly to Life
The Phoenix lander's first wet chemical analysis of the Martian surface confirms water’s thumbprint and finds the kinds of inorganic minerals you'd have in a backyard garden.
The Most Massive Star Yet?
Searching the core of one of the densest young star clusters in the Milky Way, scientists may have beat out primetime TV in the search for the newest big star.
The Mystery of Saturn’s Double Aurorae
New infrared observations reveal a second auroral ring on Saturn that may help astronomers understand what causes the planet's aurorae in the first place.
Ulysses' Space Odyssey Ends on July 1st
The only space mission ever to study the Sun’s poles directly will turn off at month’s end after a long life of trial and triumph.
Hubble Looks into the Coma Cluster
The HST captures a pristine image of various galaxy types grouped together, but what is most intriguing is what the image doesn't reveal.
Moonlets Perturb Saturn’s Ring
New observations from Cassini show small satellites are responsible for Saturn's F ring looking a little frazzled.
NASA UV Satellite Powers Down
After five years in orbit, CHIPSat enters a hibernation that may — or may not — be permanent.
Signs Found of Many “Super-Earths”
Jupiter-like exoplanets are outnumbered by smaller planets three to one, say astronomers describing their cutting-edge work in progress.
Jupiter Sports a Third Red Spot
Jupiter's new spot may herald global climate change for the gas giant.
Mars Rover Unearths Ancient Hot Springs
The Mars rover Spirit uncovers evidence for hydrothermal activity on the Red Planet and a possible cache for microbial fossils.
Puny Star's Big Flare Wows Astronomers
While a NASA satellite looked on, last month a red dwarf in Lacerta erupted with a titanic — and unexpected — burst of energy.
